I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in Polymer Chemistry in 2001, and from North Dakota State University with a Ph.D. in Coatings and Polymeric Materials in 2006. My research focused on the synthesis and modification of gold nanoparticles. After graduate school I did post doctoral research at the University of Central Florida Nanoscience Technology Center.

I have experience teaching chemistry at both the college and high school levels. For two years I worked as a Visiting  Assistant Professor at Florida Southern College teaching mostly physical science, introductory chemistry, and general chemistry. I also have experience teaching science at Tenoroc High School and Santa Fe Catholic High School.